German Chancellor Merz discusses Ukraine War with Chinese Leader Xi Jinping

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held his first phone conversation with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, during which they discussed the situation regarding Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Merz told Xi about “the common efforts of Europe and the EU to bring about a quick ceasefire in Ukraine“ and that he urged China to “support these efforts”, AFP reported.

According to the official Chinese readout of the call, Xi called for “stable and predictable ties” between the two countries.

Xi also “pointed out that the world today is undergoing accelerated changes unseen in a century, with the convergence of changes and chaos in the international situation,” AFP said.

Merz and Xi also highlighted the importance of economic ties between Germany and China.